Summary of H. RES. 635

Bill Number: H. RES. 635

Title: Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Ghislaine Maxwell should not receive a pardon, commutation, or other form of clemency from the President of the United States.

Status: Submitted in House

Introduced: August 5, 2025

Classification: Resolution

Purpose and Intent

H. RES. 635 is a resolution introduced in the House of Representatives to formally express the collective stance of the House against granting any form of clemency—such as a pardon or commutation—to Ghislaine Maxwell. The resolution emphasizes the importance of justice for the victims of her crimes, particularly in light of her conviction for serious offenses related to the sexual abuse and trafficking of minors.

Key Provisions

The resolution includes several important statements and positions:

1. Condemnation of Crimes: It condemns child sexual abuse and sex trafficking, as well as those who facilitate such acts.
2. Support for Victims: It expresses solidarity with the victims of Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein, acknowledging their ongoing struggles for healing and closure.
3. Affirmation of Justice: The resolution affirms that Maxwell's conviction and sentencing were justified based on the evidence presented during her trial. It argues that any clemency granted to her would undermine the justice owed to the survivors.
4. Formal Opposition: It formally opposes any potential pardon, commutation, or clemency for Ghislaine Maxwell.

Background

• Conviction and Sentencing: Ghislaine Maxwell was convicted on December 29, 2021, on multiple counts related to the sexual abuse and trafficking of minors. She was sentenced to 20 years in prison on June 28, 2022, and is currently incarcerated.
• Public Speculation: The resolution arises amid public speculation regarding the possibility of a presidential pardon for Maxwell, which has been acknowledged by the President as within his authority.

Affected Parties

The resolution primarily affects:
- Ghislaine Maxwell: The subject of the resolution, who is currently serving her sentence.
- Victims of Abuse: The resolution aims to support the victims of Maxwell and Epstein, ensuring that their experiences and the justice they seek are recognized and upheld.

Legislative Actions

• August 5, 2025: The resolution was referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary and submitted in the House.

Sponsors

The resolution is sponsored by:
- Primary Sponsor: Raja Krishnamoorthi
- Cosponsors:
- Eric Swalwell
- Yassamin Ansari
- Suhas Subramanyam
- Daniel S. Goldman
- Dina Titus
- J. Luis Correa
- Emanuel Cleaver
- Shri Thanedar

This resolution serves as a clear statement from the House of Representatives regarding the importance of justice for victims of sexual abuse and trafficking, reinforcing the need for accountability in cases involving such heinous crimes.